NHSO reveals Bangkok clinics earn up to 7 million baht annually
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has disclosed budget allocations for each community clinic, revealing some clinics receive up to 7 million baht annually. The income of these clinics largely depends on the number of patients treated and services provided.
The Association of Warm Community Clinics yesterday, March 6, released data on per capita budget allocations from the NHSO.
They detailed the costs incurred by clinics, such as the 45 baht per colon cancer screening, while reimbursement is 60 baht. The NHSO allocates 900 baht per person per year but after deducting expenses, clinics reportedly gain only 10 to 60 baht per person annually. This leaves clinics to bear additional operational costs.
Doctor Jadej Thammatacharee, the Secretary General of the NHSO, countered this information, asserting it is inaccurate.
He explained that the income for community clinics from the NHSO spans 13 categories. Therefore, assessing the budget requires a comprehensive view, and clinic income depends on patient services; more services rendered result in greater income.
Jadej noted that some clinics refer patients without initial treatment, affecting their earnings from the NHSO. He suggested that focusing on a single budget category may intentionally distort the situation.
To clarify, the NHSO has decided to disclose the financial details of each community clinic, showing state budget allocations. These clinics primarily handle minor ailments with lower treatment costs, allowing them to manage their operations effectively.
The same day, the NHSO launched a dashboard, BKK Clinic Revenue, showing the net income of primary care clinics in Bangkok across 13 categories.
These include outpatient funds, health promotion, central reimbursements, and funds for traditional Thai medicine. Data indicates that for the fiscal year 2025, 237 clinics received a total of 551,348,183.43 baht, with some clinics obtaining up to 7 million baht annually, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) defended its healthcare cost figures for foreign workers, stating they were sourced from the Ministry of Public Health.
According to the NESDC report, healthcare demand from foreign patients, particularly in border areas, surged to a record 3.8 million visits in the 2024 fiscal year.
This reportedly cost the government around 92 billion baht (US$2.68 billion), with only 3.3% reimbursed, straining local hospitals.
However, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin questioned the accuracy of this estimate, arguing that actual healthcare costs for foreign workers were closer to 2 billion baht (US$5 million).
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